Merrimac Police Department
Eric M. Shears, Chief of Police
16 East Main St.
Merrimac, MA 01860
For Immediate Release
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Merrimac Police Arrest Man After Chase
MERRIMAC — Chief Eric M. Shears reports that the Merrimac Police Department has arrested a driver involved in a multi-state chase this evening.
ERIC EARLE, AGE 20, OF KINGSTON, N.H. was arrested and charged with:
- Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Malicious Destruction of Property (three counts)
- Disorderly Conduct
- Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Speeding
- Marked Lanes Violation
At approximately 6:15 p.m., the Merrimac Police Department was notified that the Newton, N.H. Police Department was in pursuit of a motor vehicle crossing into the Town of Merrimac. The vehicle, which was reported as stolen, traveled down the wrong lane of the Merrimac rotary, hitting a sign post and continuing on West Main St. After turning onto Littles Court, the driver, later identified as EARLE, drove through a chain link gate and crashed into a wooded area.
EARLE fled on foot from the vehicle and was later apprehended by Salisbury Officer Richard Dellaria and his K9, Herc, on Grove Street. Area agencies, including Amesbury, West Newbury, Newton, N.H. and Massachusetts State Police assisted in securing a perimeter around the area. Salisbury and Newburyport K-9 units also responded.
“We are proud to have apprehended a dangerous and reckless suspect,” Chief Shears said. “The holiday weekend requires an urgent sense of caution and safety around our community. We are thankful to the surrounding departments for their assistance tonight.”
EARLE is being held on $2,500 bail at the Middleton House of Corrections pending his arraignment in Newburyport District Court on Tuesday.
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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